Cressi Ellipse Balanced MC9 Regulator Review

Cressi continues to produce some of the best pure breathing regulators on the market and the Cressi Ellipse Balanced MC9 Regulator is no different.

This regulator pairs Cressi’s Balanced Ellipse second stage and their Hyper-Balanced MC9 first stage, making it one of their best performing regulator that would compete with any high-end regulator on the market today for a fraction of the cost.

In this review of the Cressi Ellipse MC9 you will find:

A complete video overview of the Cressi Ellipse Regulator

A look at the MC9 First Stage and Ellipse Balanced Second Stage and some of their key features

Cressi Ellipse MC9 Review Video

Below is a video overview of the regulator done by the guys over at Scuba.com. In the video, you can get a closer look at the regulator and some of its features.

The Cressi MC9 Fist Stage

But First, Let take a closer look at the first stage of this Cressi regulator. The MC9 first stage is available in two other version, MC9-SC (Environmentally Sealed) and a titanium version.

All are Hyper-Balanced Diaphragm Regulators, because of this feature the regulator will provide constant breathing performance at any depth and tank pressures.Inside the first stage is coated with anti-friction and anti-corrosion material which makes the internal parts move more freely, in result making the regulator more responsive and perform better between servicing.

The inside of the first stage is coated with an anti-friction and anti-corrosion material which makes the internal parts move more freely, in result making the regulator more responsive and perform better between servicing.

It also makes a great travel regulator for your next dive trip abroad because it is very small and lightweight, only weighing 2 lbs. 2oz., and is protected from scratches and dings by a protective elastomer shell.

It also has 2 high-pressure ports and 4 low-pressure ports for optimum routing options and is Nitrox compatible to 40% without having to buy additional kits.

The Ellipse Balanced Second Stage

The Ellipse Balanced Second Stage is also available in two other version the Ellipse Black Balanced and the Ellipse Titanium. It is a little larger than it’s predecessor, but still more compact and than many other second stages. The larger size also allows for a larger diaphragm, which helps decreases inhalation efforts even more.

Each version has as a heat exchanger which keeps the internal mechanism warm in cold water condition. They also have a Venturi switch, which in the minimum portion reduces free flow on the surface.

However, only the Ellipse Balanced and Ellipse Black Balanced are Pneumatic Balanced, meaning it will perform the same at any depth and any tank pressure.

The Ellipse Titanium is unbalanced and uses a classic down-stream valve. However, the use of Titanium parts makes the second stage lighter and more durable, and a preferred chose as a travel regulator.

Now, let’s take a closer look at each of these regulators.

Ellipse Balanced / MC9-SC

The MC9-SC is completely identical to the MC9, the only special feature of this regulator is that it is environmentally sealed. This feature isolates the internal mechanisms of the regulator from contact with surrounding water. This is Ideal for diving in cold water or in water with heavy sediments or silt.

Divers can adjust inhalation efforts by turning an easy grip knob on the side of the second stage. The knob is large enough that it can easily be turned, even while wearing thick gloves. It also has a venturi switch where divers can make further adjustments to fine tune their breathing. When Place in the pre-dive position it helps prevent the regulator from free-flowing on the surface. In dive mode, it will allow the regulator to give its best performance.

Ellipse Balanced / MC9

The regulator as the same feature as the Ellipse Balanced / MC9-SC, the only difference is that this regulator is not environmentally Sealed. This would be perfect if you’ll be diving in warmer waters and will not be diving in very murky, silty conditions, but would still enjoy the adjustable features the Ellipse Balanced Second Stage offers.

Ellipse Black Balanced/MC9-SC

Again the first stage is the same as the MC9, the only difference is that the first stage is environmentally sealed. The second stage has all the same features as the Ellipse Balance, but the Ellipse Black does not have diver adjustable inhalation knob. However, it does have venture adjustments.

This reg would be ideal for divers that dive in cold water or in very silty waters, but don’t mind having diver inhalation adjustment.

Ellipse Black Balanced/MC9

This regulator is completely identical to the Ellipse Black Balanced/ MC9 – SC, except, it is not environmentally sealed. Divers who will not be diving in very cold water or in silly diving conditions, and don’t mind have diver adjustable inhalation effort, this would be the ideal regulator.

Ellipse Titanium/MC9

The use of titanium and the polymer create a very lightweight regulator.All the internal components of the Ellipse are a dependable high-performance downstream valve design.

Various parts of the 1st stage are made of lightweight titanium further reducing its weight.

This would be the ideal travel regulator due to its weight and durability.

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What Other Diver’s have to say about the Cressi Ellipse Balanced MC9

Overall the feedback from this dive regulator is quite possible, there were no real negative reviews to be fund. Divers report they like the ease of breathing the regulator provides, and more than it is priced as a mid-range dive regulator but can still compete with the more expensive high-end regulators.

You almost forget you’re in the water when a Cressi is in your mouth. This has historically been an issue in increasing the number of free-flows in cold water, but the sealed chamber on the first stage combined with the balanced diaphragm appears to be an all weather winner.

I’ll soon challenge it at greater depths… but for now, I’m convinced Cressi has truly delivered a top notch regulator capable of competing with the big boys… albeit at a far better price.

My wife got me the Ellipse Balanced/MC-9 SC for my birthday in December. I absolutely love it. My wife tried it and stated that it breathes easier than her Aqua Lung reg. Almost no effort to breathe at all. I have been very happy with my Cressi products

I bought an mc9 it was a great breather but I found the mouthpiece way too small and insubstantial – almost like a snorkel mouthpiece. I switched it and that made a difference but was surprised that it had such a cheap mouthpiece on it.

The Bottom Line

If you are looking for a great breathing regulator that can compete with many of the more high-end regulators for a cost that won’t put a dent in your pocket, then you should definitely consider getting a Cressi Ellipse Balanced MC9 Regulator. There is also a model you suite any of your diving needs.

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